The cast for the upcoming biopic on Michael Jackson, titled “Michael,” has recently been announced. The biopic will feature several legendary figures from the music industry, including Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, and La Toya Jackson, who will be portrayed by Kat Graham, Kendrick Sampson, and Jessica Sula, respectively. Berry Gordy will be played by Larenz Tate, and Gladys Knight, Dick Clark, and Bill Ray will be played by Liv Symone, Kevin Shinick, and Keilyn Durrel Jones, respectively. The new cast members join an already announced list of actors, including Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, and Juliano Krue Valdi.
In January 2023, it was announced that Michael Jackson’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, would play the King of Pop in the film. Jaafar Jackson is the son of Michael’s brother, Jermaine, and this will be the 27-year-old’s film debut. Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, will be portrayed by Colman Domingo, who has been nominated for an Oscar this year for his portrayal of civil rights leader Bayard Rustin in “Rustin.”
Miles Teller will play John Branca, Michael’s manager after his father, who was instrumental in launching his solo career. Branca is also listed as an executive producer on the film. Teller, known for his appearances in “Whiplash,” “Fantastic Four,” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” will be joining the cast as well.
The biopic’s director, Antoine Fuqua, has previously shared his vision for the film, saying that it will not shy away from some of the controversies surrounding Michael Jackson’s life. The film will cover Michael’s career from the age of 10, leading up to his death in 2009. “Michael” is set to be produced by Graham King and written by John Logan.
The portrayal of Michael Jackson in popular media has been a topic of controversy, and this biopic is no exception. However, the cast and crew of “Michael” aim to present a historical retelling of an iconic era in music history. The biopic is set to be released in 2024, and anticipation continues to mount as more information is released about the project
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